From the Archive - 10

For my final posting as Chaplain, I thought I would have one more look at the Chapel of the Resurrection before I climb down the stairs and head out of the School for the last time. This photo was taken during Eastertide 2004.



I will end with a prayer:

To this temple, where we call thee,
Come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
With thy wonted loving kindness
Hear thy people as they pray;
And thy fullest benediction
Shed within its walls for ay.

Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
What they supplicate to gain;
Here to have and hold for ever
Those good things their prayers obtain,
And hereafter in thy glory
With the blessed ones to reign.

Laud and honour to the Father;
Laud and honour to the Son;
Laud and honour to the Spirit;
Ever Three and ever One:
Consubstantial, co-eternal,
While unending ages run. Amen.

Well, the blog will continue tomorrow, and it will be called 'The Deacon of Ham' until I move up to Scotland at the beginning of November - when it will be re-named 'Hills of the North, Rejoice!'

We shall start September back in Petersham Nurseries!

From the Archive - 9

Following the Eastertide Mass in May 2003 I hosted a dinner party in Rivercourt House on the banks of the River Thames.



Here we see Fr Dwayne Bednar and Edward Henley along with Malcolm Smith. Malcolm will be responsible for the Chapel as from Monday 1 September. I wish him well. I shall be handing over the keys tomorrow evening!

Fr Dwayne left Westminster Cathedral last month and has now returned to the United States. 1 September is traditionally 'the day' in the Catholic Church for taking on new responsibilities.

From the Archive - 8

This photo was taken in May 2003 when Fr Dwayne Bednar from Westminster Cathedral came to celebrate an Eastertide Mass in the Chapel.



The thurifer was Alex Henley (the younger brother of Edward Henley - a former pupil of Latymer who is just starting his third year of formation for the priesthood at the English College at Rome). Alex was a server at Westminster Cathedral and he and Fr Dwayne clearly forgot that they were not in the Cathedral, as they managed to fill the small Chapel with dense clouds of incense smoke. I am amazed that no one passed out!

In his first year of formation, Edward purchased a couple of pairs of red socks in the sale at Gamarelli's. When I questioned the wisdom of this purchase he said that they would probably come in useful one day. I wouldn't be surprised if they did!

It is a pity that my lovely vestments do not show up very well in all the haze. You will have to take it from me that the Paschal Candle was lit!

From the Archive - 7

In March 2005 members of the Chapel of the Resurrection challenged the Choristers of Westminster Cathedral to a five-a-side football tournament. Unfortunately, we underestimated the ability of the choristers who slaughtered us in all four age groups!



Here we see Victoria Penny (Vice-Principal - Latymer Prep School) and John Browne (Headmaster - Westminster Cathedral Choir School) together with three Latymer boys following the tournament. John is now Deputy Head of Ampleforth College in North Yorkshire.

I have subsequently learnt that the Westminster Cathedral choristers are also in the habit of slaughtering the choristers of both Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral at football. Apparently, they spend most of their free time practicing. How was I to know?

From the Archive - 6

This photo shows the lighting of the Paschal Candle in April 2006.



Such events cannot easily happen outdoors these days, as the staircase up to the Chapel has been fitted with smoke detectors (a problem with incense) and heat detectors (a problem with the flame of the candle). These potentially life saving devices were fitted in the autumn of 2006. Initially, smoke detectors were fitted in both the Chapel and the Sacristy, but I managed to persuade the Fire Officer to change these to heat detectors so that we could continue having incense at our services. I am pleased to report that during my time as Chaplain the Fire Brigade were never called out to the school as a result of our activities!

From the Archive - 5

Here is an action photo taken from our trip to Legoland, Windsor in June 2006.



I think I was enjoying this ride on the Jungle Coaster - though I note my hair was standing on end!

From the Archive - 4

Here is very suitable image for a Bank Holiday!



Every summer we had a Chapel outing to Legoland Windsor, and this photo was taken in June 2005. I always looked forward to these trips - and particularly enjoyed the Pirate's Falls and the Dragon's Ride!

From the Archive - 3

This photo was taken during Eastertide 2004. What nicer image could we have for the Day of Resurrection?



Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. You are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

You need to get used to these words - we shall be saying or singing them every Sunday (outside of Advent and Lent) before long.

Happy Sunday!

From the Archive - 2

Here is a photo taken during Eastertide 2003. I had clearly spotted the camera!



This shows the sanctuary party leaving the Chapel at the end of a service. The only things that puzzles me is why there was no boat boy, because we always have one. Perhaps he was taking the photo! The boys are now all in the Upper Sixth applying for university entry.

From the Archive - 1

This photo was taken in June 2002.



It shows 10 boys who had just been Enrolled into the Guild of St Stephen for Altar Servers. The National President of the Guild was present for the occasion - a great honour.

Big Tree Country - 14

For our final view of 'Big Tree Country' I have chosen a photo taken from the bridge over the River Tay at Dunkeld. The Cathedral is hidden among the trees to the right of the photo. This is such a beautiful part of the world.



Well, with only 10 days to go until I officially leave the Chapel of the Resurrection, I plan to delve into the photo archive and have a series of ten old photos showing scenes from Chapel life prior to January 2007 - when I started this blog.

Big Tree Country - 13

Here is a photo that I took from the bedroom window of my lodge - I had a visitor!



As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you.
You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship you.
You alone are my sterength, my shield,
To you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship you.

Big Tree Country - 12

Here you can spot Dunkeld Cathedral hiding in the trees.



Only the tower and east end remain in good condition - the original nave is in ruins. The tower contains a good peal of bells and the former chancel and sanctuary are used as the Church of Scotland Kirk.

Big Tree Country - 11

Here is one of the views from the my Lodge at Dunkeld over the Hilton House Hotel.



The only time I heard any noise from the hotel was on the Saturday night when there was a wedding reception in a marquee on the banks of the River Tay. The pop music was not to my taste - I much prefer bagpipes.

Big Tree Country - 10

Here is a peaceful scene of the River Tay at Dunkeld as we celebrate the Day of Resurrection. Dunkeld Cathedral is hidden behind the trees - please pray for all the people who will be worshipping there today.



Now let the heavens be joyful,
And earth her song begin,
The round world keep high triumph,
And all that is therein;
Let all things seen and unseen
Their notes of gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord hath risen,
Our joy that hath no end.

Happy Sunday!

Big Tree Country - 9

Please do not disturb - we are enjoying our siesta!



I sat down under his shadow with great delight;
And his fruit was sweet to my taste. (Song of Songs)

Big Tree Country - 8

As we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, here is a photo of St Columba's Catholic Church, Dunkeld. It is in a most lovely setting, surrounded by many trees.



Sing the greatest joy of Mary
When on earth her work was done,
And the Lord of all creation
Brought her to his heavenly home:
Virgin Mother, Mary blessed,
Raised on high, and crowned with grace,
May your Son, the world's Redeemer,
Grant us all to see his face.

In case you are wondering, the red object to the left of the photo is not a statue - it is a scarecrow! I don't think it is modelled on the local bishop.

Happy Feast!

Big Tree Country - 7

Here is a photo taken on the banks of the River Tay at Dunkeld. This is such a peaceful spot.



Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide for ever
Flowing from the throne of God?

Yes, we'll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river,
Gather with the saints at the river,
That flows from the throne of God.

On the margins of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will walk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.

Yes, we'll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river,
Gather with the saints at the river,
That flows from the throne of God.

Aren't the trees a lovely shade of green?

Big Tree Country - 6

Here is another photo of the tree with the above ground level roots.



It is located just 100 metres from the front door of my timeshare lodge in Dunkeld. A small viewing platform has been erected to help prevent people accidently damaging the root system.



This young couple were obviously keen to get into the photo. Actually, they are my parents!

Big Tree Country - 5

Here is another photo of one of the famous 'Big Trees' of Dunkeld - this one has some of it's roots exposed above ground level - an amazing sight!

Big Tree Country - 4

Here are more images of the flowing waters taken from The Hermitage.



See, the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love,
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove:
Who can faint whilst such a river
Ever flows their thrist to assuage?
Grace, which like the Lord the Giver,
Never fails from age to age.

Wonderful words by John Newton - full of evangelical fervour!

Big Tree Country - 3

Here we see 'The Hermitage' in Tay Forest Park - a folly built by the fast flowing water called 'The Falls of the Braen'. Below is a photo taken from inside The Hermitage.



Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Happy Sunday!

Big Tree Country - 2

Here is the 'haunting' view at the base of the tallest tree in Britain.



The roots of the tree dig deep into the soil to draw up moisture from the banks of Ballinloan Burn as it flows into the River Tay at Dunkeld. Close to the bridge over the burn we have 'The Hermitage'.

Big Tree Country - 1

I have just returned from spending a week at my timeshare in Dunkeld, Perthshire (Scotland).



This is very much 'big tree' country, as the above notice explains. You can see Britain's tallest tree in the middle of the picture below.



It certainly put me down to size!

Petersham Nurseries - 3

What a gorgeous colour!



Let's rejoice that God thinks far more highly of you and me than he does of these dahlias!

Petersham Nurseries - 2

Another splendid bloom! I have always liked dahlias - I think it goes back to the days when my Grandfather used to grow them in Leeds.



Today we celebrate with great joy the Transfiguration of the Lord. Happy Feast!

Petersham Nurseries - 1

During the early part of July, I paid a visit to the famous Petersham Nurseries - located 1 mile from my flat on Ham Common.



Here we see a photo of a magnificent dahlia bloom.

Farewell to Latymer - 36

Well, after everyone had left, I had this lovely cake left to eat. It is a real work of art - and shows the stained glass window outside the Chapel of the Resurrection. We wanted to show the cake to as many people as possible - and so decided to put it on display on the last day of term - Friday 4 July. The staff consumed it with their coffee after the final lunch of the School Year. It was delicious!



I am so grateful to everyone who made my retirement from Latymer so special. It is a day I shall never forget. Deo gratias!

Tomorrow, I shall begin a brief series on the famous Petersham Nurseries.

Farewell to Latymer - 35

You can see the look of sadness on some of the younger servers faces as they bade me 'farewell'! Actually, I am relieved they remained so cheerful.



Happy Sunday!

Farewell to Latymer - 34

I am most grateful to my MC (pictured here) - who took all the photos (except this one!) of my final service and barbecue. The Chapel was very full for the last service - and the weather was 'heavy', so for this one occasion we didn't use incense at the service. I had to give the MC something to do - so Chief Photographer seemed a good idea. He didn't let me down!



I have been blessed with some excellent altar servers in the Chapel of the Resurrection - they have even coped with me being left-handed! Much is down to the superb example set by the MC. What a pity that so many parishes make so little use of altar servers. The Modern Roman Rite deserves descent serving just as much as the Extra-Ordinary Rite.

Farewell to Latymer - 33

As they were unable to bury me...



... Theresa, Samsha, and Marcia laid a piece of turf in the Prep garden in my memory!